Research Assistant - Radiation Oncology

Position Summary

University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Radiation Oncology is seeking a talented, highly motivated Research Assistant to join the multi-disciplinary laboratory of Dr. James Byrne. The person in this role will work with the Principal Investigator and other engineers and scientists on preclinical studies involving foam drug delivery systems for the treatment of cancer. The research assistant should have experience performing in vitro cell assays, including cytotoxicity assays; molecular biology techniques, such as Western blotting and immunohistochemistry; and in vivo experiments, including hands-on experience with oral gavage. Excellent oral and written communication and computer skills are necessary.

Position Responsibilities

· Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or the principal investigator of the research project.

· Perform in vitro cell assays, including cytotoxicity assays.

· Perform molecular biology techniques, such as Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

· Proficiency with in vivo experiments, including oral gavage of drugs.

· Collect, process, and store animal and human specimens.

· Read and review articles as directed.

· As individual skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypotheses for discussion with other researchers or the principal investigator.

· Coordinate communication among the Principal Investigator and other lab members.

· Read and understand protocols.

· Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for research protocols.

· Perform varied tasks in the research environment. Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.

· Collect, record, and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator. Track progress of research activities.

· Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain the validity and integrity of research data.

· As skills develop, troubleshoot, analyze, and propose modifications to protocols; perform complex techniques per protocol; test and evaluate current procedures; develop and implement procedures for monitoring.

· Collect and track data, perform data entry for reports, and maintain records of methods used. Prepare materials for reports. Analyze data.

· Prepare bibliographies and abstracts for publications. May present results/findings at team and departmental meetings.

· Assist with IRB, ACURF, or similar protocol submissions, if applicable. Track various indicators of project progress and summarize in reports to the research team.

· Work with environmental health and safety to maintain compliance and a safe lab environment; document compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.

· May assist in coordinating lab activities.

· Provide oversight of lab equipment and animal protocols; assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.

· Monitor colonies of lab animals including mice, rats, and cell cultures.

· General administrative tasks as assigned.

· As skills develop, may train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of students and newer employees